The holidays are upon us, which means purchasing thoughtful presents for our loved ones is top of mind. You probably know that the day after Thanksgiving, called Black Friday, marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. But did you know that the Saturday following Thanksgiving is called Small Business Saturday?
What Is Small Business Saturday?
Launched by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is an effort to inspire shoppers to “shop small.” The idea started as a marketing campaign during a recession. Amex wanted to try and do its part to help its small business customers. Since its launch, the day has been fully adopted by both consumers and the U.S. government. In 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution supporting Small Business Saturday.
Why Is It Important to Support Small Businesses?
Small Business Saturday is a day to show small business owners your support and just how important they are—both to the economy and to our culture. Small businesses make up over 99% of the companies in this country. When you support a small business, you may be directly helping a family send their child to college or pay their mortgage. For every $1 you spend at an independent, locally-owned business, an average of $0.67 will stay in that community.
Find small businesses in your area that offer gift cards for future use, curbside pickup, delivery or online shopping. To help get you started, we’ve created an online shopping guide of small businesses that offer unique gifts at affordable prices and nationwide shipping. You can feel good knowing your support will go a long way for small businesses.
10 Places to Shop Online for Small Business Saturday
Something Yummy (For Your Furry Friend)
Whether your grandchild is celebrating the holidays with a new puppy or you just want to get a little something special for your long time pal, Whisker Biscuits sells “some of the worlds healthiest, tastiest and coolest” dog treats you can find. For over 13 years, they’ve committed to using “100% all natural, human grade and USA sourced” ingredients. Because dogs deserve the very best.
Photo from Whisker Biscuits
Something Yummy (For Your Family and Friends)
You don’t have to live in Idaho to enjoy a delicious and unique gift from Idaho Gift Baskets. With countless options, there’s truly something for everyone on your shopping list. Their website states, “Our ‘homegrown’ local team has a passion for making people’s day by creating wonderful gift baskets, boxes, containers and crates filled with mostly Idaho goods & flavors. We love where we live and REALLY love what we do. We call it ‘Delivering Happiness’ straight from our hands to that special person’s front door or office.”
Photo from Idaho Gift Baskets
Something Special for that Special Someone
Featured on two HBO hit shows and across countless magazines, including Sports Illustrated and InStyle, Three Sisters Jewelry offers a range of beautiful, unique pieces, from bracelets to birthstones. Their message is just as beautiful, too. “At the heart of Three Sisters Jewelry is the belief that the jewelry we wear tells our stories – those of the past, present and the ones we aspire to live.”
Photo from Three Sisters Jewelry
Something For Anyone
For anything and anyone you’re shopping for this year, look no further than Red Barn Mercantile. Whether it’s home décor, candles, kitchen tools, ornaments, gifts for children or cards galore–you name it, this boutique out of the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia has it. You can even sort on their website by who you’re shopping for, including gifts for bakers, gardeners, historians and more. Also included on their website: downright adorable pictures of the team’s pets.
Photo from Red Barn Mercantile
Something Approximately 207 Million People Drink Everyday
What’s hot or iced, black or creamy, bitter or sweet, but always just right? You guessed it, and Union Coffee Co. sells it.
Located and roasted out of New Hampshire, Union Coffee Co. offers a diverse range of coffee products and flavors that is sure to please decaf drinkers and espresso enthusiasts alike. Plus, you can even purchase a monthly coffee subscription to delight your loved ones all year long.
Their mission? “We believe that excellence in coffee can inspire healthier individuals, stronger families, closer communities, and a better society.” We have to agree.
Photo from Union Coffee Co.
Over 500 miles away on Maryland’s eastern shore, is Open Seas Coffee. This small batch shop also roasts brilliant coffee and has a track record to prove it, having been recognized by both America’s Best Espresso and Golden Bean more than once! Their three core values are “intentional, interconnected, and quality driven“, which drinkers can taste for themselves. Similar to Union Coffee Co., Open Seas Coffee also offers a monthly subscription, so you can give the gift that keeps on giving, or you can choose from a bunch of their batches, including their award winners.
Photo from Open Seas Coffee
Something Sustainable
After 17 years in the fashion industry, Aram Lee decided to “pursue her passion for creating items [that] are timeless and practical.” A R A M L E E ® is a “slow fashion” brand that may be best known for it’s patented convertible leather bag. Made of sustainable and biodegradable cow leather, each bag uses scrap pieces to create the pouches. “The patch shapes are determined by the scraps, so each pouch is unique.”
A R A M L E E also sells additional accessories, such as scarves and earrings, candles and even super-cute polka dot soap that makes a great stocking stuffer.
Photo from A R A M L E E ®
Something Sparkly
Deanna & Ashley, co-owners of The Silver Dahlia (pictured below), are “dedicated to bringing you a curated collection of jewelry, unique gifts, homeware, stylish accessories and more.” Located out of Glastonbury, CT, The Silver Dahlia offers stunning jewelry at any price, whether you’re looking to fill some stockings or surprise a loved one with a necklace they’ll cherish forever. Their website features a Holiday Best Sellers list and an under $20 section full of perfect little somethings to make your holiday shopping a breeze.
Photo from The Silver Dahlia
Something Thoughtful
In July of 2016, “retain veteran” Liz Van Dyke opened Stocklist Goods & Gifts, and her expertise and eye for all things wonderful are obvious. Based out of Tacoma, WA, this delightful boutique truly has something for anyone. Whether you’re shopping for aprons, puzzles, candles or anything that catches your eye, their online store makes it easy to search and offers enough variety to make everyone on your holiday list happy–all without breaking the bank or leaving your couch. Finding just the right gift for just the right person has never been easier.
Photo from Stocklist Goods & Gifts
Something Approximately 159 Million People Drink Everyday
Jane Austen once said, “But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea.” Give the tea lover in your family something special from Chicago Teahouse, a premium tea retailer based in (you guessed it) Chicago. According to their website, “Our woman-owned local business was named The Best Tea Shop in Chicago by Chicago Magazine. Customers can trust they are getting the best service from an incredibly knowledgeable staff as our store is managed by a Certified Tea Sommelier, Agnieszka Rapacz.”
If you’re not sure where to start, their online store has filters for best sellers and holiday favorites, and even sells a limited-edition advent tea calendar!
Photo from Chicago Teahouse
We hope this handy guide will help make your holiday shopping a breeze – leaving you with more time to enjoy sitting around a cozy fire and taking in all that the season brings.
If you’ve already done some shopping, please leave a comment with any unique gift ideas you have for family and friends. Bonus points if you link your favorite online independent retailer or small business!
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